Lesson 1Start-up procedure for a new patient: attaching leads/sensors, setting alarm limits, patient ID and demographicsThis part outlines the proper start-up process for a new patient, covering attachment of ECG, SpO2, NIBP, and temperature sensors, input of patient ID and details, setting alarm thresholds and profiles, and ensuring steady baselines prior to use in clinical care.
Selecting the correct patient profileAttaching ECG, SpO2, NIBP, and temp sensorsEntering patient ID and demographicsSetting and confirming alarm limitsVerifying signal quality before monitoringHandover communication with clinical staffLesson 2Common faults and troubleshooting: monitor shutdowns, battery failures, display/firmware issues and basic corrective stepsThis part deals with usual monitor problems like sudden shutdowns, battery issues, display or keypad faults, and software errors, offering organised troubleshooting methods, safe fixes at user level, and guidelines for referring to biomedical engineers in Zambian contexts.
Monitor will not power on or rebootsBattery not charging or short runtimeDisplay, touchscreen, and keypad faultsECG, SpO2, or NIBP channel failuresFirmware freezes, errors, and updatesEscalation to biomedical engineeringLesson 3Preventive checks and functional tests: battery capacity test, NIBP cuff leak test, SpO2 sensor performance check, ECG lead impedance checkThis part explains regular functional tests to confirm monitor readiness, including battery capacity evaluation, NIBP cuff leak and pressure checks, SpO2 sensor tests, and ECG lead impedance checks using in-built or external tools suitable for Zambian clinics.
Battery runtime and capacity test methodsNIBP cuff leak and valve function checksSpO2 sensor accuracy and response testsECG lead impedance and continuity checksUsing internal self-tests and service menusRecording and interpreting test resultsLesson 4Clinical roles and typical measurement parameters (ECG/HR, SpO2, NIBP, RESP, temperature)This part reviews the roles of multiparameter monitors in clinical practice and describes common parameters like ECG, heart rate, SpO2, NIBP, breathing rate, and temperature, covering normal values, clinical importance, and limits of each channel in Zambian healthcare.
Overview of multiparameter monitor functionsECG and heart rate: uses and limitationsSpO2 and pulse rate interpretationNIBP measurement cycles and artifactsRespiratory rate and apnea detectionCore and skin temperature monitoringLesson 5Pre-use preparation: power, battery check, lead/patient cable inspection, sensor calibration verificationThis part describes steps for pre-use preparation before patient connection, including power and battery checks, visual checks of leads and cables, sensor calibration status verification, and ensuring accessories fit the planned clinical use in local settings.
Verifying mains power and battery statusInspecting leads, cables, and connectorsConfirming correct sensors and accessoriesChecking calibration labels and due datesConfiguring default profiles and layoutsDocumenting pre-use safety checksLesson 6Alarm management: alarm priorities, escalation workflows, adjusting limits safelyThis part explains safe handling of alarms, including priority levels, setting limits and delays, escalation processes, ways to cut down alarm fatigue, and checking that alarms suit each patient's needs in busy Zambian wards.
Alarm priority levels and meaningsSetting patient-specific alarm limitsAdjusting alarm volumes and delaysAlarm escalation and response workflowsStrategies to reduce alarm fatigueTesting alarms after configurationLesson 7Daily and weekly maintenance: cleaning disinfection protocols, visual inspection, cable and connector checks, sensor functional testsThis part addresses daily and weekly upkeep tasks, such as cleaning and disinfecting casings and sensors, visual checks for damage, cable and connector inspections, and quick functional tests to spot early faults and keep reliability high in resource-limited areas.
Approved cleaning and disinfection agentsCleaning housings, screens, and sensorsDaily visual inspection for damageCable, connector, and strain relief checksQuick functional checks of key channelsWeekly review of accessories and sparesLesson 8Signal artefact troubleshooting: removing motion, poor contact, grounding and electrical interference checksThis part covers spotting and fixing motion artefacts, poor electrode or sensor contact, loose grounding, and electrical noise, using waveform checks, lead repositioning, and systematic tests to restore dependable monitoring signals in clinical environments.
Identifying motion artefacts on ECG and SpO2Correcting poor electrode and sensor contactChecking patient grounding and equipotential linksTracing mains and RF interference sourcesUsing monitor filters and notch settingsWhen to replace cables, leads, or sensorsLesson 9Documentation and reporting: logging preventive maintenance, incident reports, calibration records, device history trackingThis part outlines record-keeping for maintenance and incidents, including logging preventive upkeep, noting failures and fixes, tracking calibration papers, and keeping device history to aid safety, audits, and compliance with Zambian health regulations.
Preventive maintenance log requirementsIncident and near-miss report contentRecording repairs and part replacementsManaging calibration records and labelsBuilding a device history fileUsing CMMS or digital tracking tools
